Why is a piggy bank called a piggy bank?

A piggy bank is called a piggy bank due to its history. During the Middle Ages, people often kept money in pots made out of an orange clay called pygg. Due to the name of the clay, these pots were known as pygg pots. During the 19th century, clever potters began to design money banks in pig shapes as a play on the word “pygg.” After pig-shaped coin banks became popular, the term piggy bank expanded to include any coin bank with a whimsical shape or decorative details. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of coin banks.

What does piggy bank mean?

The term piggy bank usually means a coin bank in the shape of a pig. However, some people will refer to any coin bank with a decorative shape as a piggy bank. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of piggy banks.

Mexican Piggy Bank

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Small Modernist Cast Iron Piggy Bank by Taxco of Mexico

$325

H 2.5 in W 2 in D 4 in

Small Modernist Cast Iron Piggy Bank by Taxco of Mexico

By Taxco

Located in San Diego, CA

Small modernist cast iron piggy bank by Taxco of Mexico, circa 1970s. The piece measures 2"W x 4"D

Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Recent Sales

Contemporary Mexican Design Concrete Piggy Bank

Unavailable

H 4.34 in W 5.12 in D 4.73 in

Contemporary Mexican Design Concrete Piggy Bank

By Obiect

Located in MEXICO CITY, MX

Contemporary Mexican design concrete piggy bank. A lovely bull shape concrete piggy bank hand

Category

Early 2000s Mexican Organic Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Concrete

Ceramic Horse Piggy Bank from Mexico

Sold

H 10.5 in W 11 in D 3.5 in

Ceramic Horse Piggy Bank from Mexico

Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Black and red horse piggy bank from the border area of the state of Mexico with Guerrero. Classic

Category

Vintage 1980s Mexican Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Hen Piggy Bank from Mexico, 1970s

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H 6.25 in W 7 in D 6 in

Ceramic Hen Piggy Bank from Mexico, 1970s

Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Ceramic hen piggy bank from Guerrero, Mexico, 1980s. Unrestored in its original condition.

Category

Vintage 1970s Mexican Rustic Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Piggy Bank from Mexico, circa 1970s

Sold

H 7.5 in W 8 in D 5 in

Ceramic Piggy Bank from Mexico, circa 1970s

Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Ceramic piggy bank from Estado de Mexico, Mexico.

Category

Vintage 1970s Mexican Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Hand Made Mexican Silver Piggy Bank on Feet

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H 6 in W 7.5 in D 4 in

Hand Made Mexican Silver Piggy Bank on Feet

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Fantastic hand made sterling silver ,heavy ,folky piggy bank.This charming pig is all hand hammered

Category

Vintage 1940s Mexican Animal Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver

Ceramic Coyote Piggy Bank from Mexico

Sold

H 11 in W 13 in D 4 in

Ceramic Coyote Piggy Bank from Mexico

Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Yellow mustard coyote piggy bank from the border area of the state of Mexico with Guerrero. Classic

Category

Vintage 1980s Mexican Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Donkey Piggy Bank from Mexico, 1980s

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H 8 in W 9.5 in D 3.25 in

Ceramic Donkey Piggy Bank from Mexico, 1980s

Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Orange and blue glazed ceramic donkey piggy bank from Morelos, Mexico, 1980s. These piggy banks are

Category

Vintage 1980s Mexican Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Piggy Bank from Mexico, circa 1970s

Sold

H 9.75 in W 10.5 in D 4 in

Ceramic Piggy Bank from Mexico, circa 1970s

Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Ceramic piggy bank - Dog with fruit basket, Estado de Mexico, Mexico. Arte popular / Folk Art.

Category

Vintage 1970s Mexican Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Rooster Piggy Bank from Mexico, circa 1960s

Sold

H 4.5 in W 4.5 in D 2.75 in

Ceramic Rooster Piggy Bank from Mexico, circa 1960s

Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Hand painted, ceramic rooster piggy bank from Guerrero, Mexico, circa 1960s.

Category

Vintage 1960s Mexican Rustic Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Rabbit Piggy Bank from Mexico, 1980's

Sold

H 9.5 in W 8.5 in D 3.5 in

Ceramic Rabbit Piggy Bank from Mexico, 1980's

Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Painted ceramic piggy bank from Morelos, Mexico, 1980's. Folk art carnival animal figures.

Category

Vintage 1980s Mexican Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

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Mexican Piggy Bank For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal Mexican piggy bank for your home. Frequently made of ceramic, cast stone and concrete, every Mexican piggy bank was constructed with great care. If you’re shopping for a Mexican piggy bank, we have 9 options in-stock, while there are 1 modern editions to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the Mexican piggy bank you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. A Mexican piggy bank is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Folk Art styles are sought with frequency.

How Much is a Mexican Piggy Bank?

Prices for a Mexican piggy bank can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $115 and can go as high as $1,250, while the average can fetch as much as $198.

Questions About Mexican Piggy Bank

Why is a piggy bank called a piggy bank?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
A piggy bank is called a piggy bank due to its history. During the Middle Ages, people often kept money in pots made out of an orange clay called pygg. Due to the name of the clay, these pots were known as pygg pots. During the 19th century, clever potters began to design money banks in pig shapes as a play on the word “pygg.” After pig-shaped coin banks became popular, the term piggy bank expanded to include any coin bank with a whimsical shape or decorative details. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of coin banks.
What does piggy bank mean?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
The term piggy bank usually means a coin bank in the shape of a pig. However, some people will refer to any coin bank with a decorative shape as a piggy bank. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of piggy banks.

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